Larry Carlton - H7V LH Vintage Sunburst

Etched in jazz-rock history by Larry Carlton himself, the Sire H7V LH opens with an immediately recognisable tonal signature: the semi-hollow maple body with centre block generates the harmonic aeration characteristic of large hollow bodies, while containing the parasitic frequencies that the centre block neutralises as soon as the volume rises on stage. The flamed maple top - a dense material with interwoven fibres - adds a crystalline brilliance in the upper mids, a defined edge that cuts through the mix without aggression. The Vintage Sunburst colour emphasises the curves of the flame, highlighting the material as much as it does the finish.

The construction is based on a mahogany neck with a C-shaped profile glued to the body - Set-Neck junction - whose continuity of mass between neck and body amplifies the natural sustain on held notes. The 43mm bone saddle and 2.7mm Medium Jumbo frets form a playing territory cut out for big jazz chord flats and solos in high position. The Edgeless™ ebony fingerboard offers a dense, cool surface under the fingers, conducive to crisp articulation across the 304.8mm radius. Sire Premium Diecasting oil bath tuning machines maintain tuning over time with mechanical resistance to disruption.

The two P90 LC Vintage pickups in Dogear configuration - managed by two independent volumes and two independent tones on a 3-position selector - offer a range of timbres from soft, thick neck to biting, articulate bridge. The Tune-O-Matic bridge with Stop Tailpiece anchors the string at a fixed angle for direct transmission of vibratory energy. The hardware details - black Top Hat buttons, black 3-ply pickguard, ivory purfling, white square block markers - recreate the vintage aesthetic without pastiche.